Founded in Sweden in 1999, this power metal band was formed by keyboard player and singer Joakim Brodén, bassist Pär Sundström, guitarists Rikard Sundén and Oskar Montelius as well as drummer Richard Larsson. In the year 2000, the musicians were already headed to the legendary The Abyss studio to record their first songs with Peter Tägtgren.
The "Fist For Fight" demo was limited to 600 copies and sold out within a short amount of time. The first of many Sabaton albums was marked by their quest to find their style, and is therefore very different to later works, not just lyrically, but also musically. This record enabled the band to sign a contract with Italian record label Underground Symphony. A line-up change led to Daniel Mullback replacing Larsson on the drums.
Sabaton's lyrical content
Almost all of the band's lyrics are drawn from World War I and II, as they find it important not to glorify war events, but rather to depict them in their most harsh reality. The band's songs take us on a journey through time, including the Vietnam War, wild medieval battles and fictitious war events from various fantasy and science fiction films.
Sabaton's music grabs its audience's attention with powerful vocals and harmonious melodies, and it's easy to see the band's musical development in songs such as "Coat of Arms" and "The Art of War", in which keyboard elements are an integral part.
Primo Victoria - a success story all over Europe
"Metalizer" was supposed to be released with Underground Symphony as the band's debut album, but unfortunately the Italians decided to abandon it for many years. The band was disappointed with its record label's decision, and so the Swedes decided to take their own initiative. "Metalizer" production was set back and they started recording "Primo Victoria".
Lyrically, the band concentrated on modern wars, a theme that continued on subsequent albums. In 2005, the album was released with Black Lodge Records and it reached first place in the Swedish hard rock charts. The band caused a sensation when it toured with Edguy in the same year and its success was heightened with "Attero Dominatus" in 2006.
What happened to "Metalizer"?
Without further ado, the band had the brilliant idea to release the double CD with Black Mark in 2007, which included the "Fist For Fight" demo. Sabaton toured with Helloween and Gamma Ray and released "Art Of War" in 2008, which contributed to its success. The guys caught the attention of Nuclear Blast, who signed them up. They then released "Coat Of Arms" in 2010 and shortly after, Sabaton's four previous albums were released as re-armed editions with videos and bonus tracks.
A lively line-up change
As with most metal bands, Sabaton has undergone regular changes to its line-up. Sundén gave his spot up to Frédéric Leclercq from DragonForce to focus on being a father. In March 2011, drummer Daniel Mullback took a break from the band due to a knee injury. He missed the US and European legs of the tour and was replaced by various Swedish drummers, before returning just a few months later.
In 2011, the boys released "World War Live - Battle Of The Baltic Sea", their first live album in a limited edition. Fans were wowed with the DVD that included various video clips, a live gig and recordings from the 2010 "World War Tour".
The great desertion
The band continued on its upward path to success and thrilled its fans, completing the Power Of Metal Tour with Powerwolf and Grave Digger and appearing at various festivals. Fans were shocked when they discovered that four of the six band members had thrown in the towel just shortly after recording "Carolus Rex". All that remained were bassist Pär and lyricist and frontman Joakim, making way for guitarists Thobbe Englund and Chris Rörland and drummer Robban Bäck to join the band. Meanwhile, the band's deserters formed Civil War together with Patrik Johansson from Astral Doors. In 2012, Sabaton reached its peak when it headlined in front of over 500,000 people at Woodstock in Poland.
Sabaton merchandise on the EMP Online Shop
Real fans know it's important to stay up-to-date with their favourite band and to know what's on offer. EMP offers fans new Sabaton merchandise - so head on down to the Online Shop and keep checking for new products! You'll find CDs, vinyls, jewellery and accessories as well as men's and women's clothing with attractive motifs, like for example our range of "The Last Stand" album clothing. Some of our merchandise is exclusively available on the EMP Online Shop, so what are you waiting for? Buy Sabaton merchandise online with EMP and get ready for the next concert!
More legendary bands are waiting to be discovered on the EMP Band Shop, including Salatio Mortis, Nightwish, Alestorm or Blind Guardian.